to happen or appear unexpectedly, especially when talking about problems, opportunities, or situations.
Sorry I’m late—something urgent came up at work.
A: Are you still coming to dinner tonight? B: I hope so, unless something comes up at the last minute.
In my opinion, it’s important to have a backup plan in case any unexpected problems come up during your travels.
Common mistake
✗Sorry, something came up to me.
✓Sorry, something came up.
'Come up' is intransitive here — no 'to me'.
Tell it apart
A problem came up at work.
arose unexpectedly
We came up with a solution.
thought of one
Use 'come up' when something happens suddenly or needs attention, not for people physically moving.Not to be confused with 'come out' (to be released or published) or 'come over' (to visit).
to rise or advance in social, professional, or economic status, often implying a significant or noticeable improvement.
After years of hard work, she's really come up in the world.
A: Have you seen how well Tom's doing these days? B: Yeah, he's definitely come up since we last saw him.
Many people aspire to come up in their careers, seeking not only financial rewards but also greater recognition and influence.
Common mistake
✗She has come up a lot in her status.
✓She's really come up in the world.
The fixed phrase is 'come up in the world' — don't paraphrase the 'status' part.
Tell it apart
They've come up in the world since the business took off.
risen in status
A good opportunity came up.
arose/appeared
Used to describe someone who is becoming more successful or prominent, especially in a social or professional context. Neutral in tone, but can be slightly admiring or envious depending on context.Unlike the B1 sense ('arise') or B2 sense ('be mentioned'), this sense is figurative and refers to someone's progress or rise in status, not to events or topics appearing.